Everything You Need to Know About the Counter-Strike 2 2025 EWC

19 Aug

Kaustavmani Choudhury

Counter-Strike 2 is making its return to the Esports World Cup in 2025, and it’s shaping up to be bigger, better, and more explosive than ever before. After a successful CS2 debut at last year’s tournament, the 2025 edition will see the format sharpened, the stakes raised, and the world's best teams battle for supremacy.

Returning to Riyadh in the summer of 2025, the event continues to grow as a hub for esports fans and pros alike. With Counter-Strike 2 now firmly integrated into the event, it’s fast becoming a staple of the tournament’s success.

Counter-Strike 2 at EWC 2025: The Basics

Counter-Strike 2 returns to the EWC with several changes designed to raise the level of competition. The 2025 edition of the CS2 tournament will feature:

16 teams
Single elimination bracket
5 days of play
A total prize pool of $1,250,000

Tournament Schedule & Format

Unlike the double-elimination or Swiss group stages seen in other CS2 events, the EWC keeps things simple and brutal: lose once, and you’re out. This single-elimination format brings extra pressure, where every round matters and upsets are always on the table.

Dates to Watch:

August 20 & 21: Round of 16
August 21 & 22: Quarterfinals
August 23: Semifinals
August 24: Grand Final

Each match is a high-stakes showdown, culminating in one team lifting the trophy after four straight wins.

Who’s Competing?

The qualification process for EWC 2025 is heavily tied to performance in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), the key ranking system used by CS2’s competitive circuit. Top 15 teams from the VRS Global Rankings (as of June 2, 2025) received direct invites.

Team Vitality
MOUZ
Team Spirit
Team Falcons
The MongolZ
Aurora Gaming
G2 Esports
Natus Vincere
GamerLegion
FaZe Clan
Astralis
3DMAX
HEROIC
Team Liquid
Virtus.pro
TYLOO secured the 16th spot by winning the Asian Champions League 2025, which took place earlier in May.

Opening Matches

Team Vitality vs Team Liquid [August 20, 1 pm CET | 4 am PT]
TYLOO vs Astralis [August 20, 1 pm CET | 4 am PT]
Natus Vincere vs 3DMAX [August 20, 4:15 pm CET | 7:15 am PT]
GamerLegion vs The MongolZ [August 20, 4:15 pm CET | 7:15 am PT]
MOUZ vs Virtus.pro [August 20, 7:30 pm CET | 10:30 am PT]
G2 Esports vs Team Falcons [August 20, 7:30 pm CET | 10:30 am PT]
FaZe Clan vs Aurora Gaming [August 21, 1 pm CET | 4 am PT]
HEROIC vs Team Spirit [August 21, 1 pm CET | 4 am PT]

Prize Pool Breakdown

Counter-Strike 2 at EWC 2025 features a massive $1.25 million prize pool, with an additional MVP Bonus ($10,000) bonus for standout individual performance:

Teams will also be competing for EWC Club Points, with the winner laying claim to a whopping 2000 Points.

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Where to Watch:

All the action from the Counter-Strike 2 tournament at the 2025 Esports World Cup will be broadcast live on the official EWC Twitch and YouTube channels. Fans around the globe can tune in to catch every round, from the opening matches to the Grand Final.

What to Expect in 2025

The 2025 Esports World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest CS2 events of the year. After Natus Vincere’s thrilling reverse sweep over G2 Esports in the 2024 final, this year brings a refined single-elimination format, a stacked field of top-tier teams, and a $1.25 million prize pool.

Whether you're a longtime CS fan or new to the scene, EWC 2025 is set to deliver unforgettable matches and legacy-defining performances. Mark your calendars for August 20-24 and don’t miss a moment.

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Featured Image Credit: Esports World Cup